Despelote is set to arrive on Switch, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on May 1. This highly stylized soccer game offers a unique perspective on life in Quito, Ecuador in 2001, developed by local creators Julián Cordero and Sebastián Valbuena, and published by Panic.

Players take on the role of 8-year-old Julián, spending time kicking the ball, meeting new people, and exploring life during Ecuador’s economic recovery on the cusp of the unifying 2002 World Cup. The in-game city is composed of actual photographs of Quito’s locations, overlaid with a high-contrast grit effect, while the people and soccer ball are depicted as stark line drawings. The audio, recorded on location, adds to the immersive experience, resulting in a game that resembles a soothing memory.

Despelote was first announced in 2023 and initially slated for release in 2024, but now has a confirmed launch date of May 1. The game has already garnered several accolades, including four nominations at the 2025 Independent Games Festival. For those interested, a demo is available on Steam.